"Ian McDonald - Verthandi's Ring" - читать интересную книгу автора (McDonald Ian)

Blue Something so they could not prevent the Enemy exiting this universe. A
bloodless win. An end to war. Intelligence the savior of the blind, physical universe.
While in the second time-stream, Clade habitats burst like crushed eyeballs and
worlds were scorched bare and the Enemy found its resources suddenly doubled.

Scented Coolabar doubted that she could ever make such a deal. But she was
an Engineer, not a Mistress of Arms. Her tentacles caressed Rose of JerichoтАЩs lobed
claspers; a warm sexual thrill pulsed through her muscular body.

тАЬStay with us, stay with me,тАЭ Harvest Moon said. Her decision was made, the
reluctant incarnation; she had fallen in love with the flesh and would remain exploring
the Heart-worldтАЩs concentric tiers in thousands of fresh and exciting bodies.

тАЬNo, I have to go.тАЭ Rose of Jericho briefly brushed Harvest MoonтАЩs sexual
tentacles. тАЬThey wonтАЩt hurt me. They knew I had no choice, as they had no choice.тАЭ

Scented Coolabar turned in the water. Her fins rippled, propelling her upward
through the pitch-black water. Rose of Jericho fell in behind her. In a few strong
strokes, the lights of Harvest MoonтАЩs farewell faded, even the red warmth of her
love, and all that remained was the centuries-deep shine of the starbow beyond the
wall of the world.

****